Survey: Economy remains weak in rural parts of 10 states

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A new survey suggests the economy will remain weak in rural parts of 10 Western and Plains states because the strong U.S. dollar is hurting exports and the bird flu is hitting poultry farms hard.

The overall Rural Mainstreet index improved to 49 in May from April's 46, but the index remained in negative territory below 50.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said agriculture and energy exports are suffering.

The survey indexes range from 0 to 100. Any score below 50 suggests decline in that factor in the months ahead.

Sales of farmland and farm equipment were slowing, and the bankers surveyed were less confident about the next few months.